System and method for suppressing radio frequency transmissions

ABSTRACT

A system and method for suppressing radio frequency (“RF”) transmissions includes a transmitter for transmitting electronic signals that suppresses (e.g., prevents, disrupts, jams, interferes with or otherwise disables) RF transmissions. Some embodiments of the invention include a transmitter that suppresses one or more signals transmitted from a target transmitter in an RF transmission system to a target receiver in a wireless device operating in the RF transmission system to prevent, disrupt, jam, interfere with or otherwise disable an RF transmission between the target transmitter and the target receiver in the wireless device (i.e., target wireless device). These systems and methods may be used to interrupt communication, command and control of non-friendly combatant. These systems and methods may also be used to suppress RF transmissions to prevent the detonation of improvised explosive devices, or IEDs.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/610,536, entitled “System and Method for SuppressingRadio Frequency Transmission,” filed Sep. 17, 2004, and incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to radio frequency (“RF”) transmissions,and more particularly to transmitting electronic signals intended tosuppress (e.g., prevent, disrupt, jam, interfere with or otherwisedisable) RF transmissions between transmitters and receivers occurringwithin particular frequency channels within a particular region.

BACKROUND OF THE INVENTION

Radio frequency transmission systems and the various wireless devicesthat operate within them are commercially widely available, and nearlyubiquitous, throughout the world with systems coming on-line daily evenin the remotest areas of the world.

While commercial RF transmission systems are generally thought toimprove the overall well-being of mankind and to advance our society,they have found an unintended use in supporting military or terroristactivity of non-friendly countries, organizations, factions, combatantsor other groups.

One way by which these non-friendly groups use commercial RFtransmission systems is for communication, command, and control. Whilemany commercial RF transmission systems are not secure (with, forexample, GSM being a notable exception), their cost and widespreadavailability, make them an attractive alternative.

Another way by which these non-friendly groups use commercial RFtransmission systems is as a detonator for improvised explosive devices(“IEDs”). Typically, combatants fashion an IED using an explosive (e.g.,C4), a container (e.g., an unexploded shell) and an RF detonator. Thedetonator may be wired to a short range wireless remote control devicesuch as an electronic car key, garage door opener, remote control,cordless telephone, or other short range RF transmission device; or to along range wireless remote control device such as a cell phone, PDA,pager, a WiFi receiver (e.g., in a laptop) or other long range RFtransmission device to enable remote detonation.

The short range wireless devices, by definition, have a “short” orlimited range (e.g., approximately 50 meters, more or less) andtypically require line-of-sight operation between the device and theIED. Accordingly, these short range wireless devices pose a significantrisk to a combatant (e.g. a terrorist, a foe, a member of a non-friendlygroup or organization, a neutral party, or other combatant) either inthe form of risk of detection or risk of injury from the IED itself.However, exceptions arise more frequently as combatants employ moreunique methods of remote detonation via RF transmission, for example,cordless phones.

The long range wireless devices utilize RF signals transmitted betweenthe device and a terrestrial or satellite antenna. Thus, long rangewireless devices do not suffer from the risks to combatants identifiedabove for the short range wireless devices. IEDs detonated with longrange wireless devices provide both increased range and anonymity andhence, represent a significant security risk.

In light of these and other dangers and risks associated with RFtransmission systems, what is needed is a system and method forsuppressing (e.g., preventing, disrupting, jamming, interfering with orotherwise disabling) RF transmissions between target transmitters and/ortarget receivers operating in a particular region, thereby disabling thecommunication, the remote detonation or otherwise suppressing the RFtransmissions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention solving these and other problems relates to a system andmethod for suppressing radio frequency (“RF”) transmissions. Moreparticularly, the invention includes a transmitter for transmittingelectronic signals that suppresses (e.g., prevents, disrupts, jams,interferes with or otherwise disables) RF transmissions. Someembodiments of the invention include a transmitter that suppresses oneor more signals transmitted from a target transmitter in an RFtransmission system to a target receiver in a wireless device operatingin the RF transmission system to prevent, disrupt, jam, interfere withor otherwise disable an RF transmission between the target transmitterand the target receiver in the wireless device (i.e., target wirelessdevice).

In some embodiments of the invention, if the target transmitter isunable to initiate or otherwise establish and/or maintain an RFtransmission with the target wireless device, the target wireless devicemay not be used for communication, command and control. In otherembodiments of the invention, if the target transmitter is unable toinitiate or otherwise establish and/or maintain an RF transmission withthe target wireless device, the target wireless device may not be usedas, or as part of, a detonator for an improvised explosive device(“IED”).

Various embodiments of the invention may be used in an offensive mannerto interrupt communication, command and control. For example, in advanceof and during a raid on a particular combatant location, variousembodiments of the invention may be used to suppress communicationsdesigned to warn combatants/terrorists at that location or warn orotherwise contact combatants/terrorists at other locations. Variousother embodiments of the invention may be used in a defensive matter tosuppress RF transmissions to prevent the detonation of IEDs.

In some embodiments of the invention, the transmitter emits a “whitenoise” signal within one or more frequency bands in which the targetwireless device operates. This white noise is received by the targetwireless device at a sufficient power level to prevent the receiver ofthe target wireless device from discriminating or otherwise detectingthe RF transmission from the target transmitter. In some embodiments ofthe invention, the transmitter emits a “white noise” signal that isreceived by a component of a wireless communication system such as, butnot limited to the target wireless transmitter, a base station, celltower, repeater, satellite or other component of a wirelesscommunication system, at a sufficient power level to prevent thecomponent from discriminating or otherwise detecting the RFtransmissions from the target transmitter.

According to various embodiments of the invention, the transmitter maytransmit in one or more frequency bands to counter a threat from one ormore types of target wireless devices. These frequency bands may includea center frequency and a frequency bandwidth as would be apparent. Insome embodiments of the invention, the center frequency and frequencybandwidth is selected so as to provide a certain power level overfrequencies included in the frequency band as well as frequenciesadjacent the frequency band. For example, the transmitter may have afrequency spectrum with a −3 dB (or −10 dB) frequencies outside thenominal frequency band to effectively cover the frequency band as wouldbe apparent.

In some embodiments, the transmitter may transmit in two, three, four,five, or more different frequency bands. For example, in someembodiments of the invention, the transmitter may operate (selectably orpreset) in one or more of the same frequency bands as commerciallyavailable wireless communication devices, such as, but not limited to,GSM, CDMA, TDMA, SMR, Cellular PCS, AMPS, FSR, DECT, or other wirelessfrequency band. In some embodiments of the invention, the transmittermay operate (selectably or preset) in frequency bands associated withvarious cordless telephones, such as, 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz, or othercordless telephone frequency bands. Other cordless telephone frequencybands may include “customized” frequency bands that commercial cordlesstelephone receivers and transmitters may not be to operate at “out ofthe box.” For example, the “customized” frequency bands may includefrequency bands that hostile parties have been able to use in the past(e.g., for remote detonation of IEDs and/or communication) by modifyingcommercially available cordless telephone components. In someembodiments of the invention, the transmitter may operate (selectably orpreset) in frequency bands associated with various short range wirelessdevices such as an electronic car key, a garage door opener, a remotecontrol, or other short range wireless device. In some embodiments ofthe invention, the transmitter may operate with various combinations ofthe wireless frequency bands, the cordless telephone frequency bands,and/or the short range wireless device frequency bands.

In some embodiments of the invention, the transmitter may suppress RFtransmissions to a wireless device located within a volume of influenceof the suppressing transmitter. This volume of influence may be based onvarious factors including a range between the target wireless device andthe transmitter, a range between the target wireless device and thetarget transmitter, a range between the target transmitter and thetransmitter, a transmitter power, a target transmitter power, a targetreceiver sensitivity, a frequency band or bands of the transmitter,propagation effects, topography, structural interferers, characteristicsof an antenna at the transmitter including gain, directionality, andtype, and other factors

In some embodiments of the invention, the volume of influence may beselected or predetermined to be larger than a volume impacted by thedetonation of the IED (i.e., the detonation volume or “kill zone”). Insome embodiments of the invention, the volume of influence may beselected or predetermined based on whether the transmitter is stationary(e.g., at or affixed to a building or other position) or mobile (e.g.,in or affixed to a vehicle, person, or other mobile platform). In thoseembodiments where the transmitter is mobile, the volume of influence maybe selected or predetermined based on a speed, either actual orexpected, of the mobile platform.

In some embodiments of the invention, the volume of influence may bechanged at random or periodic time intervals, or “warble,” so that anactual volume of influence may be difficult for combatants to ascertainahead of time. This may be accomplished by adjusting an output powerlevel of the transmitter. The volume of influence may be also changed byswitching between frequency bands at various intervals.

In some embodiments of the invention, multiple transmitters may be usedto create an aggregate volume of influence. This aggregate volume ofinfluence may be used to suppress RF transmissions around a stationaryposition such as, for example, a base, a building, an encampment orother stationary position, or a mobile position such as a convoy ofvehicles, a division of troops or other mobile position and thus createan “RF Dead Zone”, or area within which certain or all RF transmissionsare disrupted, prevented, disabled, jammed or otherwise suppressed. Infurther embodiments, the multiple transmitters may also transmit atdifferent frequencies to suppress RF transmissions from a wide varietyof wireless devices.

In some embodiments, the invention may be sized and/or configured to bemounted in, affixed to, or otherwise carried in a military vehicle or acivilian vehicle (e.g., an armored civilian vehicle) such as HMMWV orother military vehicle, a GMC Tahoe, a Chevrolet Suburban, a Toyota LandCruiser, or other civilian vehicle. In some embodiments, the inventionmay be sized and/or configured to be carried by a person in a backpack,case, protective vest, body armor or other personal equipment orclothing. In some of these embodiments, an antenna operating with thetransmitter may be affixed to a head apparatus of the person, such as ahat or helmet, or be hand-held.

In some embodiments, various components of the transmitter may be housedin a ruggedized, sealed, and/or weatherproof container capable ofwithstanding harsh environments and extreme ambient temperatures. Insome embodiments of the invention, this container may include a Pelicancase.

In some embodiments of the invention, the transmitter may not suppressor otherwise interfere with RF transmissions of friendly wirelessdevices. In some of these embodiments, the transmitter may not transmitany significant levels of power in the frequency bands used by thesefriendly wireless devices.

According to various embodiments of the invention, the transmitter maybe deployed with additional technologies. For example, the transmittermay be deployed with technologies designed to assess and screen persons,parties, and/or vehicles approaching a designated location, such as, forinstance, checkpoints and/or facilities. The screening technologies maybe designed to detect bombs being transported by people, withinvehicles, or other (e.g., vehicle borne IEDs used in suicide attacks).The transmitter may be employed to lay down a “blanket” of RF protectionover a given area to impede the detonation of any RF triggering devicewhile the screening is taking place, or prior to commencement of thescreening. This RF blanket may stop potentially hostile parties fromalerting other hostile parties about the checkpoint and its screeningtechniques while at the checkpoint. In order to ensure properfunctionality between the transmitter and the screening technologies,the transmitter may be pre-tested for interoperability, frequencyinterference, and/or other considerations that may adversely affect thetransmitter and/or the screening technologies during the jointdeployment.

Various objects, features, and advantages of the invention will beapparent through the detailed description of the preferred embodimentsand the drawings attached hereto. It is also to be understood that boththe foregoing general description and the following detailed descriptionare exemplary and not restrictive of the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an environment in which various embodiments of theinvention may operate.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a system for suppressing RF transmissions in onefrequency band according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a system for suppressing RF transmissions in twofrequency bands according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a transmitter according to an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary frequency spectrum of a transmitter thatsuppresses frequencies in two frequency bands according to an embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary frequency spectrum for a transmitterthat suppresses frequencies in an AMPS RF transmission system accordingto an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary frequency spectrum for a transmitterthat suppresses frequencies in a PCS RF transmission system according toan embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary transmitting unit, according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary antenna, mounting bracket, and cable foruse with a transmitting unit, according to an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary transmitting unit, according to anembodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(FIG. 1 illustrates an RF transmission system 100 in which a transmitter100 operates to suppress RF transmissions 110 between a remote targettransmitting device 120 and a target wireless receiving device 130operating in or with an IED (not otherwise illustrated).

As illustrated in FIG. 1A, target transmitting device 120 attempts toinitiate or establish RF transmissions 110 (illustrated as an uplink RFtransmission portion 110A and a downlink RF transmission portion 110B)with target receiving device 130. While illustrated as a wirelessdevice, target transmitting device 120 may be any fixed, wired, orwireless device capable of establishing RF transmissions 110 with targetreceiving device 130 via at least one wireless path (such as downlink RFtransmission portion 110B) that includes an RF transmitter as would beapparent. As illustrated, RF transmissions 110 may be transmitted from abase station or cell tower 170.

However, in some embodiments of the invention, the wireless path mayinclude alternate wireless paths, such as one of the wireless pathsillustrated in FIGS. 1B and 1C. More particularly, FIG. 1B illustrateswireless paths involved in a DECT telephone connection between targettransmitter device 120 and target receiver device 130 by way of a DECTbase station 170. These wireless paths include an uplink portion 110Aand a downlink portion 110B of RF transmissions 110. FIG. 1C illustratesa wireless path from target transmitter 120 to target receiver 130implemented in a Family Service Radio (“FSR”) communication of RFtransmissions 110. In other wireless communication systems (not shown),RF transmissions 110 may be transmitted from satellite repeaters,directly from target transmitter 120, and other types of RF transmittersas would be apparent. RF transmissions 110 are generally well known andfurther discussion regarding their operation is not required.

Returning to FIG. 1A, transmitter 100 suppresses RF transmissions 110,by suppressing downlink portion 110B of RF transmissions 110, uplinkportion 110A of RF transmissions 110, or in some embodiments, RFtransmissions 110 themselves.

Transmitter 100 may transmit a signal including white noise, static orother signals. This signal suppresses (e.g., prevents, disrupts, jams,interferes with or otherwise disables) RF transmissions 110 betweentarget transmitting device 120 and target receiving device 130.According to the invention, the signal from transmitter 100 suppressesRF transmissions 110 within a particular area or region in proximity totransmitter 100 (or more particularly, an antenna associated withtransmitter 100) referred to herein as a volume of influence. In someembodiments of the invention, the location of target transmitting device120 and target receiving device 130 relative to transmitter 100 asillustrated in FIG. 1 may be interchanged.

Two volumes of influence are illustrated in FIG. 1. These volumes ofinfluence are dependent upon a type of antenna employed by transmitter100. When an omni-directional antenna is used, transmitter 100 maygenerate a volume of influence 150 depending on the exact nature of theomni-directional antenna among other factors as would be apparent. Whena directional antenna is used, transmitter 100 may generate a volume ofinfluence 160, again depending on the nature of the directional antennaamong other factors as would also be apparent.

By way of example, an omnidirectional antenna may be an antenna that ismounted externally to a housing associated with transmitter 100. Thisexternal antenna may be mounted on top of a vehicle or other platform.This type of antenna may be used when the nature of the threat or itsapproach is unclear or random. On the other hand, the directionalantenna may be affixed to or mounted within the housing of transmitter100. This type of antenna may be used to focus the volume of influencein a particular direction so as to suppress RF transmissions 110 in aparticular area.

In addition to antenna configuration, the volume of influence may beaffected by other design considerations. These design considerations mayinclude one or more of an amplifier power output, a size of a heat sinkfor the power amplifiers, heat dissipation, a desired size of thetransmitter, a capacity of a battery, an antenna gain, desired frequencybands, a number of frequency bands used, and other designconsiderations.

FIG. 2 illustrates a transmitter 200 according to an embodiment of theinvention. Transmitter 200 may include at least one noise generator 210.Noise generator 210 may transmit white noise or “static” over afrequency band and centered about a center or carrier frequencyassociated with a particular RF transmission system. The output of theat least one noise generator 210 may be fed to a wideband poweramplifier 220 which generates an amount of power over the frequencyband. The output of the power amplifier 220 may be fed to an antenna 230for transmission.

FIG. 3 illustrates a transmitter 300 according to another embodiment ofthe invention. Transmitter 300 may include two noise generators 310(illustrated in FIG. 3 as noise generator 310A and noise generator310B). Each of the noise generators 310 may have a center frequencyassociated with the frequency band and a frequency bandwidth. In theembodiment illustrated, noise generator 310A has a nominal centerfrequency of approximately 870 MHz and operates over a frequency bandapproximately +/−50 MHz wide, and noise generator 310B has a nominalcenter frequency at approximately 1900 MHz and operates over a frequencyband approximately +/−50 MHz wide. Other center frequencies andfrequency bandwidths may be selected for these frequency bands as wouldbe apparent. In addition, other frequency bands, and their correspondingcenter frequencies and frequency bandwidths, may be selected as wouldalso be apparent.

Transmitter 300 may be configured to operate with other centerfrequencies and frequency bands which may be used or selected based onthe types of devices and standards being utilized in the area wheretransmitter 300 is deployed. For example, transmitter 300 may beconfigured to operate with GSM, DCS 1800, DECT, FSR, and other bands.

The output of each of noise generators 310 may be fed to a widebandpower amplifier 320. In some embodiments of the invention, each poweramplifier 320 may generate approximately 20 watts of power over thefrequency band. As would be apparent, in some embodiments of theinvention, power amplifiers 320 may generate more or less powerdepending on various design considerations. As would also be apparent,in some embodiments of the invention, individual power amplifiers 320may generate more or less power from one another depending on, forexample, the types of RF transmissions being suppressed or otherwiseprevented.

The output from each wideband power amplifier 320 is combined in acombiner 330. In some embodiments of the invention, combiner 330 mayalso include signal conditioners, such as filters or other conditioners,to provide various signal characteristics in the output signal as wouldbe apparent. For example, the combined signals may be conditioned tomore closely match the frequency bands of interest. The output fromduplex filter 330 is fed to the antenna 230 for transmission.

FIG. 4 illustrates a power supply 400 according to an embodiment of theinvention. In some embodiments of the invention, power supply 400 mayinclude inputs for either AC or DC power. For example, the DC input mayinclude a 24 VDC input as may be available in a vehicle. In someembodiments of the invention, the DC input may switchably or otherwisereceive 24 VDC or 12 VDC. Other types of DC inputs may be used as wouldbe apparent. The AC inputs may include a 100-220 VAC input as may beavailable from various electric sources through out the world. Othertypes of AC inputs may be used as would also be apparent.

Power supply 400 uses various power conversion circuits to generate, forexample 5 VDC and 7 VDC for the noise generators and 27 VDC for thepower amplifiers. Other voltages may be generated as would be apparent.In some embodiments of the invention, power supply includes an LEDcircuit to indicate that power is on.

In some embodiments of the invention, transmitter 100, 200, 300,(hereinafter “transmitting unit” unless otherwise specified) is housedin a Pelican case. In some embodiments of the invention, heat sinks maybe mounted externally to the Pelican case to remove heat from the poweramplifiers. Heat sink may include various passive and active devicesdesign to facilitate or improve heat dissipation including, fins, fans,active cooling plates, ceramic devices, etc., as would be apparent.

FIGS. 5-7 illustrate various exemplary performance characteristics of atransmitting unit operating in accordance with one or more embodimentsof the invention. FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary frequency spectrum ofa transmitting unit that suppresses frequencies in two frequency bandsaccording to. an embodiment of the invention. In particular, eachfrequency spectrum includes a nominal center frequency, f_(1center) andf_(2center), respectively, and a nominal frequency bandwidth, f_(1BW)and f_(2BW), respectively. The transmitting unit may be designed so thatthe frequency spectrum for each of these bands completely overlaps acorresponding frequency band of a particular type of wireless device.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary frequency spectrum for a transmitterthat suppresses frequencies in an AMPS RF transmission system accordingto an embodiment of the invention. As illustrated, this frequencyspectrum includes a nominal center frequency of 872 MHz and 3 dBfrequencies of 850.5 MHz and 897.5 MHz, which result in a frequencybandwidth of roughly 47 MHz. This bandwidth is wider than that expectedfor an AMPS RF transmission system, which is nominally 869 to 894 MHz.The transmitting unit may be designed by using 10 dB frequencies todefine the frequency bandwidth of the frequency spectrum as would beapparent.

FIG. 7 is an exemplary frequency spectrum for a transmitter thatsuppresses frequencies in a PCS RF transmission system according to anembodiment of the invention. As illustrated, this frequency spectrumincludes a nominal center frequency of 1965 MHz and 3 dB frequencies of1928.3 MHz and 1999.3 MHz, which result in a frequency bandwidth ofroughly 70 MHz. This bandwidth is wider than that expected for an PCS RFtransmission system, which is nominally 1930 to 1990 MHz. Again, thetransmitting unit may be designed by using 10 dB frequencies to definethe frequency bandwidth of the frequency spectrum as would be apparent.

FIG. 8A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a transmitting unit 800encased in an outer case 812. Outer case 812 may include a ruggedized,sealed, and/or weatherproof container capable of withstanding harshenvironments and extreme ambient temperatures. Outer case 812 mayinclude a locking mechanism 814 (e.g., lock screws) that locks outercase 812. An identification plate 816 that may identify transmittingunit 810. For example, identification plate 816 may include anidentification tag, engraved with information identifying transmittingunit 810, and mounted to outer case 812.

FIG. 8B illustrates an exemplary view of the inside of outer case 812that encases transmitting unit 800, according to various embodiments ofthe invention. Transmitting unit 800 may include a base unit 818. Baseunit 818 may include the electronics that enable transmitting unit 800to suppress wireless transmissions. Base unit 818 may include a display820 that may identify a status of transmitting unit 800. This status mayindicate one or more of the following conditions of transmitting unit800 including power on/off, transmitter on/off, transmittertransmitting, power level being transmitted, fault status, temperaturestatus (e.g., high temperature) and other conditions. An input interface822 may be provided on base unit 818. Input interface 822 may enable auser to control the operation of transmitting unit 800. Controlling theoperation of transmitting unit 800 may include controlling a dimensionof a volume of influence, a frequency band, a carrier frequency, and/orother functionality of transmitting unit 800.

In some embodiments, transmitting unit 800 may include an external bus824 provided in outer case 812. FIG. 8C illustrates an exemplaryconfiguration of external bus 824, according to some embodiments of theinvention. External bus 824 may include a power switch 826, a power port828, an antenna port 830, an external display/control port 832, an outercase display 834, and/or other components. Power switch 826 may enabletransmitting unit 800 to be turned off and on by a user. Power port 828may enable transmitting unit 800 to be connected to an external powersupply, as has be discussed above. Antenna port 830 may enable anexternal antenna to be connected to transmitting unit 800, as was setforth previously. External display/control port 832 may enable anexternal display/control unit (not shown) to be connected totransmitting unit 800. The external display/control unit may providesome or all of the functionality described above with respect to display820 and/or input interface 822 externally from outer case 812. Forexample, the external display/control unit may be hard-mounted orremovably mounted to, for example, the dashboard of a vehicle.

By providing the various connections available at external bus 824,transmitting unit 800 may be disconnected from external systems at onelocation, and transported for use at another location withouttransporting the corresponding external systems (e.g., the antenna, thepower source, the display/control unit, etc.). By was of illustration,FIG. 8D is an exemplary representation of transmitting unit 800 deployedat one location, within a vehicle. Via external bus 824, transmittingunit 800 may be connected to one or more external systems, as has beendescribed above. However, removing transmitting unit 800 from thevehicle (e.g., for use elsewhere, to prevent theft, etc.) may befacilitated by simply disconnecting the connections to external bus 824shown, and taking transmitting unit 800 out of the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the external display control unit may be a handheldunit that can be manipulated by the user without directly accessingouter case 812. Outer case display 834 may display the status oftransmitting unit 800 to the user. For instance, outer case display 834may implement a series of LEDs to convey to the user the status oftransmitting unit 800.

FIG. 9A illustrates an antenna 910 for connection to a transmittingunit, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. In someinstances, antenna 910 may include a Kathrein antenna. FIG. 9Billustrates a mounting bracket 912 that may be used to mount antenna 910to a carrier (e.g., a vehicle, a building, a tower, a fence, etc.). FIG.9C is an exemplary illustration of a cable 914 for connecting antenna910 to the transmitting unit.

FIG. 9D and FIGS. 9E and 9F are exemplary illustrations of antenna 910mounted to a civilian vehicle 916 and a military vehicle 918,respectively. In mounting antenna 910 to a vehicle (such as civilianvehicle 916 or military vehicle 918), the roof of the vehicle may beused in conjunction with antenna 910 as a ground plane and signalreflector. In embodiments in which the transmitting unit is to bedeployed within civilian vehicle 916, armor plating pre-drilled forantenna 910, mounting bracket 912, and/or cable 914 may be installed oncivilian vehicle 916. In some embodiments, armor plating alreadyinstalled on civilian vehicle 916 may be drilled and/or cutappropriately after installation. In order to ensure properfunctionality, the transmitting unit may be tested subsequent toinstallation within the vehicle. This functionality check afterinstallation may enable confirmation that the transmitting unit has beenproperly installed and that the various components of the vehicle arenot hindering the effectiveness of the transmitting unit.

FIGS. 10A-10C are exemplary illustrations of a transmitting unit 1000adapted for transportation on a protective vest 1010. Transmitting unit1000 may include mounting members (not shown), that enable transmittingunit 1000 to be mounted to a standard protective vest 1010. In otherembodiments, protective vest 1010 may be adapted specifically forcarrying transmitting unit 1000. For example, protective vest 1010 mayinclude a pouch, straps, or other adaptations (not shown) for carryingtransmitting unit 1000.

According to various embodiments of the invention, a transmitting unitmay be deployed with additional technologies. For example, thetransmitting unit may be deployed with technologies designed to assessand screen persons, parties, and/or vehicles approaching a designatedlocation, such as, for instance, checkpoints and/or facilities. Thescreening technologies may be designed to detect bombs being transportedby people, within vehicles, or otherwise being transported by hostileparties (e.g., vehicle borne IEDs used in suicide attacks). Thetransmitter may be employed to lay down a “blanket” of RF protectionover a given area to impede the detonation of any RF triggering devicewhile the screening is taking place, or prior to commencement of thescreening. This RF blanket may stop potentially hostile parties fromalerting other hostile parties about the checkpoint and its screeningtechniques while at the checkpoint. In order to ensure properfunctionality between the transmitting unit and the screeningtechnologies, the transmitting unit may be pre-tested forinteroperability, frequency interference, and/or other considerationsthat may adversely affect the transmitting unit and/or the screeningtechnologies during the joint deployment.

Other embodiments, uses and advantages of the invention will be apparentto those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification andpractice of the invention disclosed herein. Accordingly, thespecification should be considered exemplary only.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for suppressing radio frequencytransmissions, the system comprising: a transmitter that generates asuppressing signal within at least one predetermined frequency band; anantenna port that enables an antenna to be connected to the transmitter,the antenna receiving the suppressing signal from the transmitter andbroadcasting the suppressing signal to a volume of influence surroundingthe antenna, the suppressing signal having the effect of suppressingradio frequency transmissions within a volume of influence surroundingthe antenna; and a power source port that enables a power source to beconnected to the transmitter, the power source providing power to thetransmitter.
 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a display portthat enables a display to be connected to the transmitter, the displayindicating a status of the transmitter.
 3. The system of claim 2,wherein the status of the transmitter comprises at least one of a poweron/off status, a transmitter on/off status, a power level at which thesuppressing signal is being transmitted, a fault status, or a hightemperature status.
 4. The system of claim 2, wherein the display ismounted to a vehicle so as to be observable from a cockpit of thevehicle.
 5. The system of claim 2, wherein the display is removablyconnected to the transmitter.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein theantenna and the power source are mounted to a vehicle.
 7. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the antenna is an omni-directional antenna.
 8. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the antenna is a directional antenna.
 9. Thesystem of claim 4, wherein the power source is recharged by theoperation of an engine that propels the vehicle.
 10. The system of claim1, wherein the transmitter is controlled to generate the suppressionsignal at a signal strength that will provide a volume of influencelarge enough to inhibit radio frequency transmissions to an explosivedevice when the antenna is inside of a kill zone of the explosivedevice.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the transmitter furthercomprises an outer case that houses the transmitter, the outer casebeing ruggedized and sealed.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein thetransmitter further comprises an external bus provided on the outercase, the external bus enabling the antenna and the power source to beremovably connected from the transmitter.
 13. The system of claim 12,wherein the transmitter further comprises a display provided on theexternal bus, the display indicating a status of the transmitter. 14.The system of claim 12, further comprising a display that indicates astatus of the transmitter, the display being removably connected to thetransmitter at the external bus.
 15. The system of claim 4, wherein thevehicle comprises a military vehicle.
 16. The system of claim 4, whereinthe vehicle comprises an armored civilian vehicle.
 17. The system ofclaim 4, wherein the antenna is mounted to the roof of the vehicle suchthat the roof of the vehicle acts as a ground plane and signal reflectorfor the antenna.
 18. A system for suppressing radio frequencytransmissions, the system comprising: a transmitter that generates asuppressing signal within at least one predetermined frequency band, thesuppressing signal being broadcast from the transmitter to a volume ofinfluence surrounding the antenna, the suppressing signal having theeffect of suppressing radio frequency transmissions within a volume ofinfluence surrounding the antenna; and a mounting member that mounts thetransmitter to body armor that is worn by a user of the system, whereinmounting the transmitter to the body armor of the user facilitatestransport of the transmitter by the user.
 19. The system of claim 18,wherein the mounting member is provided on the transmitter.
 20. Thesystem of claim 19, wherein the mounting member is provided on the bodyarmor.
 21. The system of claim 19, wherein the body armor comprises aprotective vest.
 22. The system of claim 19, wherein the transmittercomprises an antenna that broadcasts the suppressing signal.
 23. Thesystem of claim 22, further comprising an antenna mounting member,separate from the mounting member, that mounts the antenna to the bodyarmor.
 24. The system of claim 23, wherein the antenna mounting membermounts the antenna to a first piece of body armor and the mountingmember mounts at least one other component of the transmitter to asecond piece of body armor.
 25. The system of claim 24, wherein thefirst piece of body armor comprises a helmet and the second piece ofbody armor comprises a protective vest.
 26. The system of claim 19,wherein the transmitter is controlled to generate the suppression signalat a signal strength that will provide a volume of influence largeenough to inhibit radio frequency transmissions to an explosive devicewhen the transmitter is inside of a kill zone of the explosive device.27. A system for screening potentially hostile parties, the systemcomprising: a transmitter that generates a suppressing signal within atleast one predetermined frequency band, the suppressing signal beingbroadcast from the transmitter to a volume of influence surrounding theantenna, the suppressing signal having the effect of suppressing radiofrequency transmissions within a volume of influence surrounding theantenna; and a screening module that screens potentially hostile partiesfor explosives, wherein the transmitter and the screening module arearranged such that the screening module is positioned within the volumeof influence during operation to inhibit an explosive device from beingremotely detonated while the screening module is being used to searchfor explosives, and wherein the transmitter and the screening module areconfigured and operated such that the effectiveness of the transmitteris not substantially impeded by the screening module and theeffectiveness of the screening module is not impeded by the transmitter.